Page 37 of Puck Right Off

He chuckles. “You seem surprised.”

“Sorry. It’s just… You don’t look it.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” He shoots me a wink, then leans back, crossing his hands over his stomach. “Tristan, we’re a lot alike. And our life experiences are similar. You see, I didn’t believe in love at first sight. I thought that a relationship would destroy my hockey career. Course, that didn’t keep me from having flings, so please don’t think I’m judging you. I can’t help but laugh at the image of you and Jordyn meeting like that.”

I snort. “Most embarrassing moment of my life. I hadn’t been with anyone in a long time. Of course, she was skeptical. Alex and I convinced her otherwise… Until I fucked up.”

Coach arches a brow. “What did you do? Sleep with another woman?”

“God, no.” I shudder at the thought. “I nearly got caught in the shower with her. By Josh.”

Coach laughs, shaking his head. “Sorry. I’ve been there. The fear of getting caught heightens the experience.”

“It should’ve.” Slumping in the chair, I sigh. “I went for a run afterward. The fear of my relationship with my high school sweetheart dissolving started creeping into my head while I aimlessly ran. When I looked up, I realized I was near the cemetery.”

“Lemme guess? You ran up there, broke down, and vowed to focus solely on hockey?”

“Am I that obvious?”

“Yes, but only because I did the same thing. After Kacie and I had a big fight, I visited my mom’s grave and vowed to end things with her and focus solely on hockey.”

I lean forward, my interest piqued. “What happened?”

“I was fucking miserable. My game sucked. I fought with the guy on the opposite team who’d been flirting with her while she sat in the stands. Got benched for two games by my coach, who wasn’t nearly as cool and understanding as me.” He gives me a smirk and laughs.

“It was my dad who set me straight. He could tell I was nuts about Kacie. And yeah, I barely knew her, Tristan. But she was different. It was like my heart and soul instantly knew she was the one. Once we made up and got back together, I played better than ever. Seeing her in the stands, cheering me on… She’s the reason I was drafted.”

His words sink in. “But when you fought… Or things went wrong in your relationship….”

“Tristan, things are going to go wrong in life. Hell, you could get the flu and play like shit because of it. But I knew, no matter what, I had someone who loved me, whether I played hockey or not. It was the same for your parents. They fell in love at first sight, and both went on to marry, have kids, and juggle demanding careers.”

I nod. “Yeah, I remember them talking about how complicated things were.”

Coach grins, leaning forward. “Describe your family in one word.”

I don’t hesitate. “Love.”

“They supported one another. When your mom got injured and couldn’t skate anymore, your dad convinced her to teach, right?”

I nod. “Yeah. Mom said she wouldn’t have done it if not for Dad.”

“And until your dad retired, didn’t your mom attend every one of his games?”

“Yes. We went to every game. My grandma would often come along in case she needed to take me and Elaine back to the hotel so Mom could remain at his game.”

“Exactly. They supported one another. I had the pleasure of meeting the two of them. They were amazing people with an incredible love that reminded me of what I had with my wife…”

“What are you saying, Coach?”

“Love is always worth the risk.”

CHAPTER 22

Jordyn

Chelsea looks around as we step inside Sinful Sirens. “Nice facility, although not nearly as posh as the one in New York.”

“It’s not sleazy, which is what matters to me. Ray Carbaugh, the owner, is amazing. Wait until you meet Gary. He’s my favorite security guard. He doesn’t tolerate any bullshit, but he’s as sweet as pie to the dancers.”

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